Magician P. C. Sorcar returns to the stage for cancer patients in Mumbai

He had once made the Taj Mahal 'vanish' for a few minutes. Nearly 12 years after that act, he has now returned to make the woes of cancer-stricken people 'disappear'.
The country's most popular magician P. C. Sorcar has made a comeback with as many as 20 of his shows scheduled in Mumbai t

He had once made the Taj Mahal 'vanish' for a few minutes. Nearly 12 years after that act, he has now returned to make the woes of cancer-stricken people 'disappear'.

The country's most popular magician P. C. Sorcar has made a comeback with as many as 20 of his shows scheduled in Mumbai this month.

Sorcar agreed to perform for this long series as the funds from the shows will be used for expanding a cancer home run by the New Bombay Bengali Association (NBBA) in Mumbai.

Ajay Banerjee, one of the oldest trustees of the NBBA, said: "We have a cancer home in Vashi which started with barely two rooms and has today expanded into a centre with eight rooms that provides charitable stay for those patients who have to travel for cancer treatment to Mumbai. The idea came about in 1992 when we came across the condition of terminally ill cancer patients who were awaiting their turn at the Tata Memorial Hospital. As an association we thought this is what we could do to help."

The association now plans to expand the cancer home so that more patients can receive the help while in Mumbai for treatment.

"He is a big name and it is not often that people in India get to see his shows. He accepted our request because of his love for the cause and also the rapport he shares with us," Banerjee said.

Sorcar, a recipient of Merlin Award in Magic, had last performed in Mumbai in 2000. Day one of Sorcar's show on June 1 saw a 70 per cent sellout and his shows scheduled in Vashi next week are already moving towards an advance sellout.

Known for his magic termed Indrajaal, Sorcar had tricked the Taj Mahal into 'vanishing' in 2000 for two minutes as well as the running and packed Indore-Amritsar express in 1992 before an audience that comprised high court judges.

Through the shows, Sorcar is also creating awareness against tobacco addiction to curb cancer. He is accompanied by wife Joysri and daughter Maneka.

The NBBA will employ the funds generated from Sorcar's show to build more rooms for cancer patients as well as initiate ambulance services and better facilities at the centre. "Even if 50 per cent of the tickets are sold, we will be making enough profit to support our cause," Banerjee added.

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